This research article examines knowledge about the source(s) of nicotine in commonly used products and beliefs about what TFN means.“Tobacco-free” nicotine (TFN) e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches containing synthetic nicotine are increasingly available. The term TFN may lead to reduced risk perceptions and increased use intentions relative to tobacco-derived nicotine products. Effectively communicating messages about TFN may depend on the public’s ability to differentiate TFN from tobacco-derived nicotine. To this end, a survey was taken of young adults, 18-25, asking them general knowledge questions about differentiating between the contents of different TFN products. This survey conluded that there is confusion about the source of nicotine in products, as many young adults incorrectly interpreted TFN to mean something other than containing nicotine but no tobacco.The article suggests regulatory efforts may be needed to restrict using the term “tobacco-free nicotine” on product labeling and advertising for increased consumer clarity.
Citation
Morean, M. E., Bold, K. W., Davis, D. R., Kong, G., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Camenga, D. R. (2022). Does it come from tobacco? Young adults’ interpretations of the term “tobacco-free nicotine” in a cross-sectional national survey sample. PloS One, 17(5), e0268464. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268464
Morean, M. E., Bold, K. W., Davis, D. R., Kong, G., Krishnan-Sarin, S., & Camenga, D. R. (2022). Does it come from tobacco? Young adults’ interpretations of the term “tobacco-free nicotine” in a cross-sectional national survey sample. PloS One, 17(5), e0268464. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268464
